Embedded Credit Flow Control for Low-Overhead Data Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center communication systems face increased latency and bandwidth overheads due to the need for protocol conversion between devices, necessitating a method to implement flow control that reduces buffer overflow while minimizing bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A flow control method that encapsulates credit information within data packets at the link layer, allowing simultaneous transmission of data and credit, thereby reducing bandwidth overheads and improving effective bandwidth and communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If credit information is transmitted through separate control packets, then flow control reliability is improved, but bandwidth overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines credit information with data packets by embedding credit fields within the data packet structure. This merging allows simultaneous transmission of data and credit information in a single packet, eliminating the need for separate control packets and thereby reducing bandwidth overhead while maintaining flow control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The data packet is designed to serve multiple functions: it carries both user data and credit information for flow control. This multi-functionality allows the same transmission medium to handle both data communication and flow control signaling, improving bandwidth utilization efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented between devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate protocol conversion step from the communication path. By using a unified high-speed serial bus protocol for direct device-to-device communication, it removes the conversion overhead and associated latency while maintaining compatibility through standardized protocol implementation
3Productivity
If credit information is embedded in data packets, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data packet into distinct fields, with specific portions allocated for credit information and others for user data. This structured segmentation allows for efficient parsing and processing while maintaining clear separation of functions, reducing the actual complexity despite the multi-functional nature of the packet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A flow control method and apparatus, and a system are provided, and relate to the field of communication technologies, to reduce bandwidth overheads and improve effective bandwidth and communication performance while implementing flow control. The method includes: A first node generates a data packet. The data packet includes credit information of a second node, the credit information indicates a data volume quota returned to a virtual channel of the second node, and the virtual channel is used by the second node to transmit data to the first node. The first node sends the data packet to the second node. When receiving the data packet, the second node parses the data packet, to obtain the credit information of the second node. In this way, flow control on the first node is implemented based on the credit information.